Myrtle of the river
Calyptranthes zuzygium

This is another member of the guava family that produces clusters of white flowers in summer followed by half inch black berries that are favored by birds and are sweet and edible.

Although it can be clipped as a hedge, the best use is as a 10 to 15 foot shrub or small specimen tree. The growth is naturally rounded, yet taller than broad.

Found naturally in the upper Keys and parts of Dade County, it survives well throughout Palm Beach County and can tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods.

Average soils with some organic matter are best to retain moisture. Does very well during drought and can grow near the coast if protected by other vegetation.

Cardinals seem to like nesting in this shrub. When planted near your home, hawks are less likely to bother nesting birds and your dog will keep cats away. This is a combination that many birds take advantage of by placing their nest just above the height of your dogs nose where predators from above and below feel unsafe.

This shrub can be mixed with coastal species or blended with Rockland plants. In this case mix with slash pine, tetrazygia, pineland privet, saw palmetto, coontie, wild coffee, silver palm, ernodea, spanish stopper, locust berry and other rockland species.